International Journal of Pharmacognosy Investigations and Technologies

Emerging Role of Medicinal Plants in Gut Microbiota Modulation: A Pharmacognostic Approach

Yogalakshmi. R, J. Karthi — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The human gut hosts trillions of microorganisms that together form what is called the gut microbiota. Far from being just passive inhabitants, these microbes actively participate in our health. They help digest complex food components, extract nutrients, regulate metabolism, and shape the immune system. Even more surprisingly, they communicate with the brain through the gut-brain axis, influencing mood, cognition, and overall mental well-being. When this delicate microbial balance is disrupted, a condition known as dysbiosis, the consequences can be severe. Dysbiosis has been linked to obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), cardiovascular issues, and even disorders such as anxiety and depression. Maintaining microbial harmony is increasingly recognized as essential for human health.

In this context, medicinal plants have attracted growing attention. Unlike synthetic interventions that often act on single targets, medicinal plants provide a broad spectrum of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, and fibers. These phytochemicals support gut health in multiple ways. Some act as prebiotics, selectively nourishing beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Others possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help suppress harmful microbes and reduce intestinal inflammation. This combination of actions makes plant-based therapies particularly appealing for restoring gut balance naturally.

This review highlights a selection of medicinal plants traditionally used in gastrointestinal and metabolic disorders, focusing on both their pharmacognostic features and phytochemical profiles. Triphala, an Ayurvedic formulation made from three fruits, is valued for its rich polyphenol and tannin content. It promotes digestion, detoxifies the gut, and has been shown to support the growth of beneficial microbes. Psyllium husk (Plantago ovata), a rich source of soluble fiber, improves bowel regularity and serves as a fermentable substrate for colonic bacteria, encouraging the production of short-chain fatty acids vital for colon health. Garlic (Allium sativum) contains sulfur-based compounds such as allicin, which exhibit strong antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria while also improving cardiovascular and metabolic functions. Bael (Aegle marmelos) fruit pulp, known for its high tannin and pectin content, is traditionally used for diarrhea and dysentery, offering both gut-soothing and antimicrobial effects. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds, rich in galactomannan fiber and saponins, help in controlling blood glucose and cholesterol while exerting positive effects on the gut microbiota. Chicory (Cichorium intybus) root is another powerful prebiotic source, largely due to its high inulin content, which selectively stimulates the growth of bifidogenic bacteria.

The influence of these plants on gut health extends beyond digestion. By modulating microbial metabolism, they promote the production of bioactive metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, which strengthen intestinal barriers, reduce inflammation, and enhance immune responses. Recent animal and clinical studies also suggest that these herbs may influence the gut brain axis, helping to regulate stress, mood, and cognitive function. Their role in managing metabolic syndrome and improving immunity further underscores their therapeutic promise.

Despite encouraging results, there remain some challenges. Variability in plant sources, differences in preparation methods, and a lack of standardized dosages can all affect outcomes. Moreover, comprehensive clinical studies are still needed to confirm long-term safety and efficacy. This is where pharmacognosy plays a critical role ensuring proper authentication, identification, and quality control of plant-based preparations.

As consumer interest in natural and plant-derived health solutions continues to rise, integrating traditional wisdom with modern scientific validation is essential. Medicinal plants, with their unique ability to restore microbial balance while supporting overall wellness, hold strong potential as next-generation gut health therapeutics. By combining ethnopharmacological knowledge with rigorous research, we can unlock safer, effective, and sustainable approaches to maintaining digestive and metabolic health.

Herbal Medicine in Modern Oncology: Complementary Roles in Cancer Therapy

Vishal Kumar Vishwakarma, Ravina Rani — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Integrating herbal medicine into modern cancer care is emerging as a hopeful approach in oncology, where supportive therapies aim to ease treatment burdens and enhance overall well-being. Rooted in long-standing traditions such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and various indigenous healing systems, plant-based remedies are gaining scientific attention for their potential to address challenges commonly faced during cancer treatment. Researchers are especially interested in the healing properties of natural compounds found in many medicinal herbs. Chemotherapy and radiation often cause distressing side effects like nausea, persistent tiredness, and nerve pain. Certain herbs with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions such as turmeric and ginger may help reduce these symptoms. Others are known for their immune-boosting potential; for example, echinacea and astragalus have been studied for their ability to strengthen the body’s defense system, helping patients recover more quickly and resist infections. Some herbs even show promise in slowing cancer cell growth. Ingredients in milk thistle and green tea, for instance, have demonstrated anticancer activity in various studies. Additionally, adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha can support emotional resilience and reduce stress, which is especially valuable for those undergoing intense treatments. Despite these benefits, incorporating herbal remedies into oncology must be done carefully. Concerns such as herb-drug interactions like those seen with St. John’s Wort and inconsistent formulations highlight the need for caution. Well-designed research and standardized testing are crucial to ensuring safety and effectiveness. Moving forward, strong collaboration among oncologists, scientists, and traditional medicine practitioners will be key. Developing clear, evidence-based guidelines and educating patients will empower them to make safe, informed choices about complementary therapies.

Nanocarrier-Based Drug Delivery in Antimicrobial Resistance: Innovations and Future Outlook

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical threat to global health, undermining the efficacy of conventional antibiotics and leading to prolonged infections, increased mortality, and escalated healthcare costs. The emergence of resistant pathogens necessitates innovative strategies to enhance drug efficacy, reduce resistance development, and improve therapeutic outcomes. Nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising solution by enabling targeted, sustained, and controlled delivery of antimicrobial agents while minimizing toxicity and enhancing bioavailability. This review highlights recent advancements in nanocarriers—including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, metallic nanoparticles, and nanogels—specifically designed to combat AMR. It discusses their mechanisms of action, ability to bypass bacterial defense systems, and integration with other technologies such as stimuli-responsive systems and combination therapies. Furthermore, it evaluates clinical progress, regulatory challenges, and translational potential. The chapter concludes with a forward-looking perspective on how nanocarrier innovations may transform the management of resistant infections and usher in a new era of precision antimicrobial therapy.

Therapeutic Evaluation of Eleutheroside B from Eleutherococcus senticosus in Streptozotocin-Induced Renal Dysfunction

M. Ezhilarasi, Swarnalatha S, Karthi J — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Diabetic nephropathy is a major small-blood-vessel complication of diabetes, mainly caused by increased oxidative stress and inflammation that damage the kidneys. In this study, we explored the ability of Eleutheroside B, a natural compound obtained from the roots of Eleutherococcus senticosus, to protect kidney function and reduce blood glucose levels in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mouse model. The roots were authenticated and extracted using a hydroalcoholic solvent, and the active compound was identified and characterized through UV, FT-IR, and NMR analyses. Diabetic mice received oral doses of the extract at 100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg for 28 days, with metformin (200 mg/kg) serving as a standard reference. Various physiological, biochemical, and histological parameters were measured to assess kidney protection. Treatment with E. senticosus led to notable improvements in body weight, reduction in excessive urination, and normalization of the kidney index, with effects increasing at higher doses. The extract markedly reduced blood glucose and creatinine levels, while simultaneously boosting albumin and insulin concentrations. It also helped rebalance oxidative stress indicators and inflammatory mediators such as MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, bringing them closer to normal values. Microscopic examination of kidney tissue further revealed clear protection of both glomerular and tubular architecture. The higher dose of the extract demonstrated effects comparable to metformin, highlighting its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Overall, these findings indicate that Eleutheroside B from E. senticosus holds considerable promise as a protective agent against diabetic kidney damage by targeting oxidative and inflammatory pathways.

Hepatoprotective Efficacy of Solanum virginianum Linn. Extracts: A Differential Assessment in Simulated Biological Systems and Within the Organism

Madhu Kushwaha, Pankaj Tiwari — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In Ayurvedic medicine, Solanum virginianum Linn., also known as Kantakari, is a vital herbal treatment for a number of liver-related ailments. The current study uses parallel in-vitro and in-vivo experimental methods to evaluate the liver-protective properties of water-based and alcohol-based extracts made from its mature dried fruits. The extracts demonstrated concentration-related protection against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in cell-based experiments using HepG2 liver cells. The alcohol extract demonstrated a higher capacity to neutralize free radicals (half-maximal inhibitory concentration = 45.2 ± 2.1 micrograms per milliliter) than the water extract (half-maximal inhibitory concentration = 68.7 ± 3.4 micrograms per milliliter). Animal experiments involving carbon tetrachloride-provoked liver injury in Wistar rats indicated notable normalization of blood enzyme markers, including alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase (statistical significance < 0.01) when administered at 200 milligrams per kilogram, coupled with diminished fat oxidation and boosted glutathione concentrations. Chemical profiling revealed elevated levels of phenolic compounds (268.4 ± 0.42 milligrams gallic acid equivalent per gram) and flavonoids in the alcohol extract. These outcomes reinforce the historical application of S. virginianum in liver health management, highlighting the superior performance of the alcohol extract. Additional insights from related research suggest potential anti-apoptotic effects in cellular models and broader antioxidant mechanisms in animal systems, expanding the understanding of its therapeutic potential.